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Earthquake response strains Colombia's new government and rescuers as they race against the clock

PEREIRA, Colombia (AP) — Tons of aid from regional partners began to roll into Colombia on Wednesday, as the search for survivors in the rubble of powerful earthquake grew more desperate after the temblor razed buildings, buckled roads and crushed cars. The devastation has tested Colombia's new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, and his government as it scrambles to respond to the disaster and civil society as it pushes to provide aid to the most affected communities. Colombian forensics authorities said Wednesday that more than 227 people died in the 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the country's west on Monday. The government has been slow to provide updated tolls, and the true number is likely higher. De la Espriella said Tuesday that at least 181 people died and 2,595 more were injured.

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Scoop News DeskColombia · Published Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 10:12 PM UTCUpdated Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 6:30 PM UTC

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On Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV thanked those contributing to recovery efforts, and said he is praying for those killed, injured or otherwise affected by the earthquake. "I want to express my solidarity with my Colombian sisters and brothers who have suffered the effects of the recent earthquake," he said. Across the coffee-growing region, among the areas worst affected by the quake, authorities have converted sports arenas, schools and other public buildings into shelters for thousands of displaced Colombians.

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Version 2unpublished
Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 1:39 PM UTC
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Version 3published
Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 2:28 PM UTC
PEREIRA, Colombia (AP) — Tons of aid from regional partners began to roll into Colombia on Wednesday, as the search for survivors in the rubble of powerful earthquake grew more desperate after the temblor razed buildings, buckled roads and crushed cars. The devastation has tested Colombia's new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, and his government as it scrambles to respond to the disaster and civil society as it pushes to provide aid to the most affected communities. Colombian forensics authorities said Wednesday that more than 227 people died in the 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the country's west on Monday. The government has been slow to provide updated tolls, and the true number is likely higher. De la Espriella said Tuesday that at least 181 people died and 2,595 more were injured.
Version 4unpublished
Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 6:30 PM UTC
Removed by Scoop Timeline eligibility policy